Alex And Ani Founder Seeks EDC Grant for Belcourt Upgrades

The founder of Alex and Ani is seeking a grant from the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation. The grant is to help make Belcourt Castle in Newport more eco-friendly.

Belcourt Castle in Newport is now owned by Alex and Ani owner Carolyn Rafaelian.

Credit Wikimedia Commons

Alex and Ani founder Carolyn Rafaelian bought Belcourt Castle, renamed it Belcourt of Newport, and is now refurbishing the place. Rafaelian is seeking a grant of $18,500 for a solar array and a geothermal heating and cooling system. The grant would come from the EDC’s Renewable Energy Fund.

The EDC put off a vote on awarding the grant at its last meeting after two board members recused themselves due to a conflict of interest. One of them was Rhode Island College president Nancy Carriuolo, who cited Alex and Ani’s recent $1 million gift for a new building.

The EDC will take up the grant request at its meeting this month.

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